"He was actually trying to make it back to me so we could go home together and it took five hours to realize what had happened. I looked for him for five hours," Jude Williams said.

Williams had known Shane M. Clark-Tollefson for just three weeks, but he was enjoying their budding relationship. He said Clark-Tollefson was a "sweetheart" and loyal to all his friends.

Just a few hours before Clark-Tollefson was hit by a car and killed while skateboarding, Williams posted on Facebook that he was in a relationship with Clark-Tollefson.

"Anything with him was fun: skating, watching movies, cooking dinner was even fun with him," Williams said.

All that ended at 6:56 p.m. Thursday when Clark-Tollefson, 22, of Springfield was struck by a 2010 Lexus RX driven by Michelle S. Grant, 41, of Morrisville, police said this morning.

The accident happened at the intersection of Kansas Expressway and Nichols Street.

According to police, the Lexus was traveling northbound on Kansas Expressway while Clark-Tollefson was on a skateboard and entered the intersection from the northeast corner of Nichols in front of the SUV.

"We have conflicting witness statements, but the majority say the Lexus had the green. However, all reports are still under review and the investigation is preliminary and ongoing," Lt. Brian Phillips said in an email.

Because it was traveling northbound, the Lexus would have been moving on a gentle downward slope as it approached the intersection, meaning it likely would have been easily visible as it approached.

This afternoon, the only evidence of the accident that remained was spray painted markings on the road.

Clark-Tollefson had a faint pulse when medical personnel arrived, police said. However, he was reported dead after being transported to Mercy Hospital Springfield.

Police said Grant stopped and stayed at the scene. This morning, police said Grant has been fully cooperating with the investigation, which is continuing.

The advocacy group Skaters For Public Skateparks tracks skateboard-related fatalities. According to its information, 21 skateboarding fatalities occurred in the U.S. in 2013. The vast majority happened on public streets.

Rex Penrose, who lives near the intersection, recounted what he saw.

"I heard something and I automatically turned around and a late-model SUV — the light was green when I looked up and then I seen the gentleman laying out here in the middle of the highway," Penrose said.

Penrose said Grant tried to aid Clark-Tollefson.

"The lady was outstanding because she ran over and tried to help the gentleman and she actually gave him mouth to mouth," Penrose said.

Numerous accidents occur at the intersection, Penrose said. According to City of Springfield data, the intersection had nine crashes in 2012, the latest year where information is available.

"It's a shame for him and her, too," Penrose said. "It's hard to live with."

Clark-Tollefson was originally born in Springfield, but had moved back to the city from Washington State. He was trying to find a new start, Williams said.

Clark-Tollefson wanted to open up a mechanics shop, Williams said. He loved working on cars — a "fanatic."

But Clark-Tollefson did not have a car of his own, so his main way to get around was his skateboard.

"He would bring a skateboard everywhere," Williams said.

On Thursday evening, Williams had hoped Clark-Tollefson was injured, not dead.

That's all in the past now. Now he's sorry the two did no get to spend more time together.

"Things happen and you can't really stop them," Williams said.

On social media, those who knew Clark-Tollefson posted on his Facebook page, mourning his death.

"He was only just now making his way the path of life ... he just missed a step," one person wrote. "I am going to miss him for the rest of my life."

Another wrote that Clark-Tollefson was a wonderful person.

"I'm just sitting with your page open, reading over that paltry news report over and over, hoping it's some kind of sick sick joke. But it's not is it. I can't believe it, I don't want to. You're an amazing man, you're lovely, you're absolutely fantastic!" one post said.